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Understanding the ICICI Lombard health insurance policy upgrade

This blog explains the recent upgrades to ICICI Lombards health insurance policy, detailing new features like zone-based pricing, guaranteed no-claim bonus, home care benefits, cataract coverage and unlimited sum insured resets. It also outlines optional add-ons such as claim protector, critical illness cover and compassionate visit. The article guides policyholders on how to evaluate the upgrades during renewal, understand key insurance terms like co-payment and deductible, and review waiting periods for new benefits. It concludes by stressing the importance of staying informed to make the most of policy enhancements.

  • 27 Dec 2022
  • 7 min read
  • 170945 views

Updated on - 10 Feb 2026

Health insurance is a financial safeguard that helps cover unexpected medical expenses. A policy generally covers the cost of doctor consultations, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests and surgeries, depending on the terms and conditions. Recently, ICICI Lombard introduced upgrades to its health insurance policy, bringing in new features and pricing models. For policyholders, understanding these changes is important as they can affect both coverage and premiums.

Let us get to know the latest upgrades, what they mean and the key points to keep in mind.

The new features of ICICI Lombard health insurance

We have upgraded our health insurance policy to make it more comprehensive and inclusive. With this new version, you can avail a host of new benefits:

  • Zone-based pricing which is a premium advantage in line with the treatment costs in your
  • Pneumococcal vaccine discount.
  • Guaranteed No-Claim Bonus of 20% of the sum insured for every claim-free year (with a maximum of 100% bonus).
  • Unlimited resets up to 100% of the sum insured for unrelated illness and once for the same illness.
  • Medical procedure expenses for organ donors up to the sum insured.
  • Home care covers up to 5% of the sum insured (max up to `25,000).
  • Limit for cataract cover up to 10% of the sum insured (maximum up to `1 Lakh per eye).

ICICI Lombard has also introduced a variety of complimentary services on the IL TakeCare app to help its customers stay healthy, safe and informed about their health.

Face Scan

 Hello Doctor

 Online Health Assistance

An online tool to check health vitals such as blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, stress level, etc

Access to a doctor for tele-consultation, 24X7

Medical advice from the safety and comfort of home

Zone-based pricing

Zone A

Mumbai, Haryana, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Ahmedabad, Surat, Delhi, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad & Rest of NCR (excluding Faridabad, Gautam Budh Nagar (excl Noida city), Bulandshahr, Alwar, Bagpat, Bharatpur, Jhajjar, Jind, Nuh, Panipat, Rewari)

Zone B

Pune, Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat (excl. Ahmedabad and Surat), Bengaluru, Chennai, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana (Incl. Hyderabad), Pondicherry, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh

Zone C

Rest of India (Punjab, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Lakshadweep, Kerala, Tamil Nadu (excl. Chennai, Pondicherry), Odisha, North Eastern States, Andaman & Nicobar, Rest of Karnataka, Rest of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rest of Maharashtra, Rest of UP)

Zone D

Faridabad, Gautam Budh Nagar (excl Noida city), Bulandshahr, Alwar, Bagpat, Bharatpur, Jhajjar, Jind, Nuh, Panipat, Rewari

 

Based on your pin code, if you fall in zone A, you will continue to have the freedom to get treatment across India without a zone-based co-pay (Co-pay is a share of the claim amount that you’d have to bear). For other zones, you will need to share a part of the claim amount for treatments at a hospital in a higher zone.

Things to note at the time of policy renewal

When renewing your ICICI Lombard health insurance policy after the upgrade, there are certain points worth noting. Renewal is the time when premiums may change, either due to zone-based pricing or the inclusion of new features. Customers may also be asked to review their coverage, update their medical history and check eligibility for add-ons.

It is also important to confirm waiting periods for new benefits, as certain features may not be available immediately upon renewal. Always review the updated terms and conditions to ensure the policy continues to match your requirements.

The existing features and continuity benefits of the policyholder will remain intact. Customers have the option to choose from multiple add-on covers.

Optional Add-on Covers

Claim Protector

Hospital Daily Cash

Nursing at Home

Critical Illness

Sum Insured Protector

Convalescence Benefit

Compassionate Visit

Voluntary Co-payment

 

How to evaluate the value of new features of health insurance

Evaluating new features in a medical insurance policy requires proper consideration of both medical and financial aspects. Customers should compare the increased coverage against any change in premiums. For instance, a higher sum insured or new wellness service may justify a higher premium if it adds real value based on your needs.

It is also important to understand that the usefulness of upgrades depends on personal health requirements and the specific terms of the insurer. Therefore, evaluating the overall benefit is best done by reviewing the policy document thoroughly.

Health insurance terms to understand in the upgrade

The ICICI Lombard health insurance policy upgrade introduces or re-emphasises certain health insurance terms that customers should be familiar with:

  • Deductible: The fixed amount a policyholder pays before the insurer covers the remaining expenses.
  • Sum insured: The maximum limit up to which the insurer will pay during a policy year.
  • Co-payment: The percentage of the claim amount that the policyholder must pay out of pocket.
  • Waiting period: The period during which certain illnesses or treatments are not covered after purchasing or upgrading a policy.

Conclusion

The ICICI Lombard health insurance policy upgrade brings useful additions such as zone-based pricing and extended features. These changes are designed to make the policy more flexible and relevant to different customer segments. However, the real impact depends on the terms of the chosen cover, regional pricing and individual medical needs. Being aware of policy updates is crucial for making informed decisions at the time of renewal.

Protecting your future starts with the right cover. Take the first step today by filling out the form on this page to receive expert family health insurance guidance designed around your specific needs.

FAQs

1. What is zone-based pricing in health insurance?

Zone-based pricing divides regions into categories depending on healthcare costs. Premiums may be higher in metro cities and lower in smaller towns.

2. Does an upgrade in health insurance always increase premiums?

It depends on the insurer and the type of features added. Sometimes premiums may increase if coverage is enhanced or if zone-based pricing applies.

3. Can I choose not to opt for the new features at renewal?

This depends on the policy structure. Some features are part of the upgrade, while others may be optional. It is best to check with the insurer or refer to the policy wording.

4. Will waiting periods apply to new benefits in the upgrade?

Yes, waiting periods may apply. The duration and applicability depend on the insurer and the policy terms.


Disclaimer:The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

 

Also read:

Things to note at the time of policy renewal

The existing features and continuity benefits of the policy holder will remain intact

The policy holder has the option to choose from multiple add-on covers

Optional Add-on Covers
Claim Protector Hospital Daily Cash Nursing at Home Critical Illness
Sum Insured Protector Convalescence Benefit Compassionate Visit Voluntary Co-payment

 

Covid-19 Pandemic & The Aftermath

In India, medical inflation is around 14%, meaning that a medical procedure that costs Rs.3 lakh today, could cost around Rs.6 lakh, in just 5 years down the line.

With the increase in general inflation, including medical inflation, the operational costs of Insurance companies, especially since the pandemic have increased significantly.

It is estimated that in the year 2019-2020, health insurance had seen premiums of Rs. 51,636.34 crores; and 10.5% resulted from the novel coronavirus. With most people turning to private hospitals and expensive quality treatment, the insurance companies are paying out claims in higher numbers.

Over the years, we have tried our best to maintain the price by absorbing the cost of medical inflation and Covid-induced increase in cost. Despite our best efforts, it’s now time to revise the premium rates. We hope that you’d appreciate the upgraded features that come with it and continue to

Over the years, we have tried our best to maintain the price by absorbing the cost of medical inflation and Covid-induced increase in cost. Despite our best efforts, it’s now time to revise the premium rates. We hope that you’d appreciate the upgraded features that come with it and continue to put your trust in our product and services.

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